Life from the Ashes Book 2 - Hope and Faith
Chapter 25
A Lover's Betrayalby Jo B.
purplefox@usfamily.net***
FBI Hoover Building
Monday, November 15
11:32 a.m.Fox Mulder glared in irritation at the ringing telephone, put his pen down, and reached to answer it. "Mulder."
"Agent Mulder, this is Assistant Attorney General Allan Howard over at the Justice Department," Howard said while staring over his desk at Jeffrey Spender.
"What can I do for you, Mr. Howard?"
"I need some information. Do you happen to have a half-brother by the name of Jeffrey Spender?"
"Spender? Sorry, the only Jeffrey Spender I know was a former FBI agent, he's been missing for a couple years," Mulder answered. Then the recent image of the smoker claiming to be his father invaded his thoughts, he knew Spender was his son.
"So, Agent Mulder, there's no way that Jeffrey Spender could be your half-brother?" Howard asked, watching as the young man sitting in front of him straightened anxiously in his chair.
"Mr. Howard, there is a possibility that Jeffrey Spender could be my half-brother. Why do you ask? Do have information on his whereabouts?" Mulder inquired, looking up as Krycek walked over and sat on the edge of his desk to listen in on his conversation. The last time he had seen Spender was in the hospital recovering from a bullet wound to the head. He disappeared from his hospital bed the next night.
"Yes, as a matter of fact I do. Would you be able to meet me at the Justice Department? We need to discuss this matter face-to-face." Howard twirled the telephone cord around his finger as he waited for Mulder's answer.
"Sure, I can be there in half an hour," Mulder replied, meeting Krycek's eyes. The younger man nodded and went to retrieve his suit coat from the back of his chair. Mulder ended the call and rolled down his sleeves, refastening the cuffs, he pulled on his suit coat as well.
"Fox, what do you make of it?" Krycek asked, taking their long, black overcoats off the coat rack and passing Mulder's coat to him.
"I think Spender's there and he's claiming to be my half-brother . . . I think he just might be," Mulder replied, shrugging into the overcoat. "Either way, we could get some answers to some important questions from him," he said as they left the office.
***
Skinner's cabin
Monday, November 15
11:42 a.m.Takeda sat huddled in the corner of the worn sofa, staring listlessly into the fireplace, watching the flames dance around chaotically. It reminded him what a confused mess his life had become. He had been in a state of shock since finding out about Justin's pregnancy yesterday. It had brought back memories of the four humans raping him through his new orifice. He thought there was a possibility that he might be too, because the men had raped him during the peak of his cycle.
"Shin, I don't think you have anything to worry about," MacIver soothed. Kneeling on the floor in front of the younger man, he took a hold of his hands.
"Rory, how would you know? I could be pregnant . . . it's possible," Takeda grumbled sadly.
"No it's not, love." The Scotsman rose and sat next to his lover on the sofa, pulling him into his arms. Takeda buried his face against MacIver's shoulder, his cheek resting against the soft flannel. "I talked to Doctor Pendrell this morning, Justin has been in a state of deep sleep since Tuesday evening. It's been near to impossible to wake him for any length of time. The doctor believes that it's one of the symptoms of his pregnancy, if you were pregnant you should be experiencing the same symptoms right now."
"Rory, what if it is only because Justin's lover was an immortal, how do we know that an immortal impregnated by a human wouldn't have different symptoms?" Takeda asked, clinging fearfully to his lover.
MacIver sighed, leave it to his lover to come up with some logical reason why he still might be pregnant. "We'll be home today, then Doctor Pendrell can run some tests on you. One way or another we will know for sure . . . then we'll deal with it together. Shin, I love you and I will still love you even if you're carrying another man's child."
"God, Rory, I don't know if I can deal with being pregnant with one of those men's babies," he cried, burying his face into the older man's shoulder. "Why couldn't it be yours."
MacIver gently rubbed his back. "Is that an offer, Shin?" he teased lifting his lover's chin he kissed his tears away.
A guarded look fell across Takeda's eyes and MacIver wondered briefly what secret his lover was hiding from him, but he refused to invade the younger man's privacy to find out.
Takeda murmured weakly. "I love you, Rory. Thanks for putting up with me."
"Ssh, don't talk that way, you've done nothing wrong, it's me that should be thanking you," MacIver soothed. He heard the sound of his SUV pulling up on the road. "Stay here, babe, Kazuo and Duffy are back with the SUV." The Scotsman got up off the sofa, grabbing his coat he hurried out the front door. He didn't want Takeda to see the mammoth n'thral. His lover was experiencing enough night terrors as it was -- he didn't want to add to them.
MacIver slid down the snow-covered hill to the dirt road. "Duffy, thanks for digging my truck out," he drawled. Stopping in front of the large n'thral, he smiled briefly at the major who climbed out of the driver's seat. The two sorcerers had come to know each other really well in the days and nights they had spent stranded at the cabin.
Duffy had walked behind the truck on the way back to the cabin. He tiredly rested his arm on the roof, looking down on MacIver. "You're welcome, Rory. You will be leaving now?" he asked sadly.
"Yes. We need to get Shinji back home. Duffy, my friend, really thank you for everything that you have done for us," MacIver replied, holding out his hand to the giant man.
"Rory, thank you for your friendship. It's been a long time since anyone has looked past my appearance and treated me like a human being." The n'thral smiled warmly at the little man, shaking his hand.
"Duffy, I'll be back in the summer . . . we can go fishing together."
Jason Duffy's eyes misted over. "I'd like that, friend. Have a safe drive back. Goodbye," he murmured. Turning, he lumbered off back down the road toward his home.
Major Sawada stood watching them. "Rory, you amaze me. I was totally wrong about you, I'm sorry," he stated, holding out his hand to the Scotsman.
After they shook hands, MacIver swung his arm around the major's shoulders. "C'mon, Kazuo, let's get Shinji home."
***
Justice Department
Monday, November 15
NoonSpender didn't know that he'd be this nervous about meeting Fox Mulder again -- the man that he had unjustly despised. His whole future now rested in Mulder's hands. He rubbed his sweaty palms on his thighs, looking anxiously toward the door.
Finally, after what seemed like forever, the door opened and in stepped Fox Mulder accompanied by Alex Krycek. Spender's eyes locked briefly with Krycek's before shifting to rest solely on Mulder. He couldn't get over the change in the older agent, he had seen photographs, but they didn't do him justice. The man was serenely beautiful -- he'd never seen anyone that exuded that much raw sensuality.
"Spender, I thought you were dead." Mulder's voice pulled him from the trance he had fallen into. "What happened?"
"No, I'm quiet alive. I came close to dying, but daddy dearest had a morph bring me back from the edge. You're looking well, Mulder," Spender stated, resuming his quiet appraisal.
"Spender, what do you want?" Krycek growled, irritated.
"Krycek, long time. You haven't changed at all," Spender replied.
"You two know each other?" Mulder inquired.
"Yes."
Before they could get to the where, when, or how, Allan Howard interrupted their conversation. "Agent Mulder, we have a delicate situation here. Mr. Spender has come forward with some information of vital interest to our government. We need a safe place to keep him until the proper authorizations can be arranged to guarantee his cooperation. He has specifically requested to be placed into your protective custody."
"No, he is not coming home with us," Krycek replied.
"Alex, please, let's listen to what he has to say first," Mulder reasoned.
"No, Fox."
"Yes. Go ahead, Jeff, explain yourself." Mulder used his first name trying to ease the tension between them.
"Mulder, first I want to apologize for the way I've behaved in the past. I thought you were a nutcase and a threat to the national security. Because of that belief, I got involved with some elements within the government that turned out to be the true threat to our government and the world's security . . . I didn't realize until too late that you were right in your beliefs. I was blinded by jealousy. I was wrong, I'm sorry. I know that I can't change the past, but I would like to try to change the future, if you will let me," he pleaded sincerely.
"Jeff, you already apologized when you got the X-Files returned to me. Don't you remember?" Mulder asked gently.
"No." He frowned.
"Okay, I'll accept your current apology . . . we've all made mistakes that we regret. Isn't that right, Alex?" Mulder asked.
"Fuck. Okay. How do you plan on changing the future, Jeffy?" Krycek asked, sarcastically.
Spender bent down and pulled a folder out of his duffel bag, he passed it to Krycek.
Krycek opened the folder, leafing through its contents, he swore underneath his breath. "Where did you get these?" he growled.
"Do we have a deal?" Spender asked Mulder, ignoring Krycek's question. Mulder had looked at the contents of the folder over his lover's shoulder.
"Listen you fucking little weasel, I want answers!" Krycek snarled, stalking toward him.
"Alex, sit down. Now!" Mulder ordered. "Jeff, you have a deal, we'll provide you protection at the estate in exchange for answers."
Spender smiled relieved. "Thank you, Mulder, you won't regret it. There's an operative working for our father, he took all the photos, and two days ago, he passed on information to me on the location of Shinji Takeda . . . I destroyed the message, it never reached daddy dearest."
"Who's the operative?"
"Professor Leo Bartok, he's living with one of your friends, I believe," Spender replied.
"Damnit. Melvin mentioned that he didn't trust that man, he said Bartok was a clairvoyant. I should have listened to him," Mulder swore angrily.
Krycek placed a calming hand on Mulder's arm. "How do you want to handle this, Fox," he asked.
"Jeff, does anyone know where you are?" Mulder asked.
"No. I'm supposed to be on my way to China to form a new alliance with one of the ruling warlords there, but I decided to come here instead. It should be a few days before my absence is noticed."
"Okay. Mr. Howard, will you be able to keep Mr. Spender's presence quiet while you get the authorization approved?"
"Shouldn't be a problem, Agent Mulder. I'll personally walk the paperwork through myself," the older man replied.
"Good. Thank you." Mulder turned back to Krycek. "I think it's important that we conduct business as usual, and that means keeping our appointment with Doctor Vettelman at two o'clock. We'll have agents Sullivan and Pipino take Spender out to the estate, and Gabriel can sit on him until we get there."
"How are you going to explain this to Walter?"
"Shit, he's not going to like this one bit." Mulder looked over at Spender. "Alex, we could try putting a nurse's uniform on him and try passing him off as the new in home nurse," he quipped. They were still in the process of interviewing nurses to take care of Justin Blaise at the estate.
"Walter will never buy it." Krycek chucked, sobering suddenly. "You know, Walter's going to string Bartok up by his balls when he gets his hands on him and I'll be there to help him."
"You can forget it . . . I'm going to deal with Bartok myself. Our family wasn't the only one he's screwed, John Byers is my friend," Mulder replied angrily.
It had been a long time since Krycek had seen absolute hatred in those beautiful hazel eyes. He contacted Jack Sullivan telepathically and arranged for him to pick up Spender.
***
LGM headquarters
Monday, November 15
2:00 p.m.Frohike finished digitizing the latest photographs he had taken for the next issue of 'The Magic Bullet' magazine. They were doing an entire issue on the shifting global borders and the new leaders and dictators that had risen out of the ashes over the past two years. The cover of the magazine had a photo of Russia's handsome, charismatic new leader Tsar Nikolai Slava.
Very few of the new-world leaders were human -- most were sorcerers or n'thrals. Only the few countries that had survived with their governments still intact had humans in charge.
"Hey, Ringo, I have the photos ready for you," the little man informed the tall, lanky blonde.
"Were you able to get a photo of Hector Cardoso?"
"Yeah, one of Rory's contacts got it for me. Cardoso is one ugly mutt, it makes me sick to think that this bastard had his hands on Hans at one time," Frohike grumbled, rolling over in his chair, he handed the photograph to Langly.
"Yuck, now there's a face only a mother could love," Langly replied, holding the photo of the n'thral leader at arms length in disgust.
Byers' head popped up from behind his computer. "I heard he went berserk after Hans disappeared, he tortured and killed over a thousand men," he informed them; taking the photograph from Langly he studied it thoughtfully. "Cardoso has since gotten smart, he's now offering a reward for the return of Hans to him."
"Do you suppose that he knows where Hans is?" Langly asked while working on the magazine layout on his computer.
"I can't see how he wouldn't know, even with the poor news coverage down there," Byers replied then glanced over at Frohike. "You ought to be careful, Melvin, it's possible that he might know about your relationship with Hans."
"Oh great, that's just what I need, an 8 foot tall enraged n'thral after me," Frohike grumbled. He reached up and lovingly rearranged the framed photographs of Hans he had taken.
"Well, you're the one having a relationship with an immortal. If you didn't want trouble you should have gotten involved with a normal human," Byers stated smugly.
"Like you did?" Frohike bit his lip; he was tempted to tell Byers that his boyfriend wasn't a normal human either.
"Yes, exactly." Byers smiled.
"Yeah, well, I'll kick his ugly n'thral's ass if he comes anywhere near Hans," Frohike growled.
"Of course you will, Melvin," Langly snorted.
"By the way, Melvin, Leo was wondering if you and Hans could come over for dinner on Friday? He only has one stipulation -- that you bring any sorcerer except Gabriel. For some reason Leo doesn't feel comfortable around him."
"Sure, that shouldn't be a problem. I'll ask Rory, if he can't make it on Friday then I'll ask Walter," Frohike replied, returning his attention back to his computer.
***
Doctor Vettelman's Office
Monday, November 15
2:30 p.m.Doctor Paul Vettelman noted that Fox Mulder seemed more relaxed and cheerful than he had at any of the past sessions. "So, have things calmed down at the estate since your young friend has been rescued?"
"Yes, everything is getting back to normal. Shinji is supposed to be back home today," Mulder replied, smiling.
Skinner glared over at Mulder, which caught Vettelman's attention.
"Walter, I take it that you don't agree with Mulder?"
"Doctor, we've been having a bit of a disagreement over the rules you imposed on us at the last session. Fox has taken them to mean that he's completely in charge and he doesn't have to consult with us before making decisions that will affect our household," Skinner complained. He was peeved after finding out a few minutes ago that Jeffrey Spender was being put up at the estate.
"How so, Walter?"
"He decided to hire an in home nurse without first consulting us. He has turned our home into a safe house for a wanted felon, and he refuses to listen to any reasonable concerns about his safety."
"Walter, you agreed with me that the in home nurse was a necessity," Mulder replied calmly.
"That was after the fact, Fox," the older man complained. "What about . . . the felon?" Skinner realized suddenly that he shouldn't be bringing Spender's name into their discussion.
"Walter, I'm sorry . . . I should have discussed that with you first, but there wasn't any time. Besides, I don't think we should be talking about this here." Mulder looked pleadingly at Skinner.
"Sorry, Fox, of course you're right. Doctor, that is an FBI matter . . . I never should have brought it up," Skinner admitted sullenly.
"What's this issue you have about Mulder's safety?" the doctor inquired.
Krycek spoke up quickly; he didn't want Skinner and Mulder arguing over this issue again. "We have a paved jogging path that circles the inside fence of the estate. Fox, usually goes jogging alone at all hours of the day and night. Before Shinji's abduction we didn't have a problem with that because we thought our security was sound, but now we know that it isn't and we're worried about his safety."
"So, why doesn't one of you accompany him when he goes jogging?" the doctor asked, noticing Mulder stiffen.
"Fox likes jogging alone. He feels it's the last bit of independence he has left, and we agreed not to take that away from him," Skinner replied. Reaching out, he took a hold of Mulder's hand squeezing it reassuringly.
"Mulder, do you think that you're taking a risk with your safety?"
"Doctor, I admit that I think about it, but I need this time to myself . . . I'm careful. I do feel guilty about causing Walter and Alex to worry," he sighed.
"The decision is yours to make, Mulder, you must do what you think is best," Vettelman said. "Now how is everything else going?"
"It's an adjustment. I haven't asked for permission to do anything since I was a boy," Skinner replied.
"Yeah, it has made us realize what it's like to be dependent upon Fox for a change," Krycek agreed. He had been a bit miffed at Mulder for not allowing him to go alone to meet one of MacIver's associates at a downtown nightclub. Mulder had insisted that he take Hunter with him.
The rest of their session passed quickly. "That's all for today, gentlemen. I want Mulder to continue being in charge around the estate and for all of you to continue writing everything in your journals," Vettelman said, dismissing them.
They headed back to the Hoover Building to pick up their daughters at the daycare.
***
Foxfire Glenn Estate
Monday, November 15
3:00 p.m.Spender followed Gabriel Hunter through the mansion, taking in the opulence of the place. He had learned to do without the simplest luxuries while living on the run with his father.
"You can place your bag in here. Fox will decide where to put you when he gets home tonight."
Spender set his bag on a shelf in a closet off the kitchen. He turned around at the sound of a voice speaking to Hunter. He froze and gaped at two of the most beautiful men he had ever seen. One was a tall blonde with brilliant blue eyes and the other was a Native American with silky black hair and warm brown eyes.
"Hey, Gabriel, we're worried . . . Justin won't stay awake long enough to finish the soup I made . . . " Hawk stopped speaking when he noticed Spender.
"Who's that?" he asked.
"Oh, this is Jeffrey Spender, he's going to be staying here for awhile; he's under the FBI's protective custody," Hunter informed them truthfully because they never lied to one another in the household.
"What has he done?" Hawk asked distrustfully. He didn't want the man in the same house as his lover.
"You'll have to ask Mulder, he's under his personal protection. Jeffrey, meet Joseph Shadow Hawk and Hans Schatz, they are two men who live here. You'll meet the rest of the household later. Would you like something to drink -- a soda or a beer?" Hunter asked. Walking into the butler's pantry, he opened the beverage refrigerator.
"Ah, yeah, a beer would be nice," Spender replied, he felt uncomfortable by the hostile look that Hawk was giving him. He tried to smile reassuringly at the younger man after reading his thoughts. "I'm perfectly harmless, really," he murmured, accepting the bottle of beer from Hunter.
Hunter turned to Hawk. "Joe, Doctor Pendrell will be here in an hour, he's bringing along another in-home nurse for you to interview. He'll check Justin while he's here."
There was noise coming from the front entrance and the sound of voices and feet stomping toward them. The men's faces lit up as Takeda, MacIver, and Sawada stepped into the room.
"Shinji!" Schatz shouted with glee, warmly embracing and kissing his friend -- Hawk and Hunter followed suit.
"How are you, Shin," Hunter asked, stepping back to look at the younger man.
"Better, now that I'm home. I've really missed you guys." He smiled brilliantly.
Hunter turned to the other two men. "Rory, Kazuo, welcome home. I'd hug you too, but you both stink," he quipped, taking a step away from them in mock disgust.
"Yeah, we're pretty ripe, lad," MacIver smirked, sniffing his arm.
"I want a long, hot, bubble bath," Shinji said, stretching catlike. "Walter's cabin didn't have any running water and we even had to go outside in the snow and cold when we had to use the toilet it was awful," he informed them shuddering.
Spender watched the beautiful Japanese immortal with growing arousal. He found the younger man's movements very erotic, when Takeda stretched, he caught a glimpse of ivory skin of his waist and belly. He couldn't believe that he was going to be staying under the same roof with all of them.
MacIver noticed Spender, then noticed the beer in Spender's hand. "Yes, that is exactly what I need. Kazuo, can I get you a beer?" he asked jovially, heading for the butler's pantry.
"Sure, Rory, I could really go for one," the major replied.
"Shin, what about you?"
"Yeah, Rory, get me one, too," Takeda sighed happily. He was relieved to be back home and among family.
"So, who's he?" Sawada finally asked, nodding toward Spender.
"I'm Jeffrey Spender . . . Fox Mulder is my brother," he replied, startling everyone even Hunter.
Hunter glared at him. "Come again? I've known Fox for over twelve years and he never mentioned having a brother. In fact we've found out that immortals only had sisters," he replied hotly.
"He's my half-brother, we have the same father. It was probably his mother's genes that made him an immortal," Spender replied. "If you don't believe me just ask Mulder."
"Don't worry, we will," Hunter replied.
***
"So, Fox, where are we going to put Spender?" Skinner asked, steering the SUV down the highway heading toward their home.
"I thought we could put him up in the west wing, you've cleaned and repaired three of the bedrooms there already. Walter, I'm curious about him, he says he's my half-brother. The smoker claimed to be my father, I want to find out for sure," Mulder replied from the backseat.
"We'll run a DNA test on him. I also want him scanned, I'm not going to tolerate him in our home if there is the slightest hint that he is still working for the consortium," Skinner stated firmly.
Krycek glanced up from playing with Faith; he handed her a set of multicolor plastic keys. "Frohike can scan him, besides we're going to want to get him involved immediately so he can help us deal with Bartok," he replied. He had filled Walter and Kimberly in on what Spender had told them.
Kimberly turned around in the front passenger seat. "Poor John, he was so happy at the Halloween party, this is going to break his heart."
"Yeah, they were getting really serious since moving in together. I wonder if Bartok had any real feelings for John or if the whole thing was an act?" Mulder grumbled.
"I'm going to arrange for my agents to pick him up, hopefully they can catch him at the University. I'd hate to have them arrest him at their apartment," Skinner said, dialing the number into his car phone. He reached agents Johnson and Austin and sent them to arrest Leo Bartok, he informed them to keep it hush-hush. No one outside of them was to know that Bartok was being held for questioning.
"Walter, you'd better call Frohike and let him know what's going on," Krycek stated as they pulled through the gates to the estate.
"Yeah, I'll do that," Skinner replied, pulling up in front of the cottage to drop Kimberly off. He noticed that Doctor Pendrell's car was parked in front of the mansion, along with MacIver's SUV, and another strange car. He briefly scanned the estate. "There's another nurse here . . . what is that number five?"
"No, nine. We want to find the best nurse possible to take care of Justin, it might take some time," Mulder replied. "C'mon, we might as well get inside."
***
After Doctor Pendrell had examined Justin Blaise, he had headed downstairs to examine Shinji Takeda. He was just finishing up. "Well, I can definitely say that you're not pregnant." He held the test strip out so Takeda could see it.
"That's a relief, Kyle. Do you think it's because the men that raped me were normal humans?" Takeda asked, pulling back on his clothing.
"Shin, I think so. From the tests you've done at the Center, we know that humans have one less chromosome than mutants. I think we should start conducting tests on that lone chromosome, when Justin is far enough along we can determine if it had a role his pregnancy," Pendrell said, running a hand through his curly red hair.
Takeda shivered as a thought occurred to him. "It's probably a good thing that n'thrals are sterile then . . . if it's tied to the chromosome." He sat shakily on the sofa and pulled a knit throw around his body.
"Shin, you should seek some outside therapy. Maybe you can talk to Doctor Paul Vettelman. I can arrange with him to take you on as a patient if you like?" the young doctor asked, deeply concerned about his friend.
"Thanks, Kyle, let me think about it, okay," he answered.
"Sure, let me know." Pendrell squeezed his shoulder then headed out the apartment door running into Major Sawada who had been waiting for him in the hallway.
"Doctor, may I speak with you for a moment?"
"Sure, Kazuo, how can I help you?"
"It's about Shin's and my daughter. I would like to have her sent to Japan with the other infants to be placed with a family there," he replied softly unable to keep the sadness and pain from his voice.
Pendrell was shocked by the major's request. "Kazuo, your daughter and the others were born yesterday. I thought you'd want to come to the Center tomorrow and take her home. You were really looking forward to her birth, why have you changed your mind?" he inquired, noting that the major was near tears.
"It wouldn't be fair to Shinji, he never really wanted to take on the responsibility of a baby. Right now, it's the last thing he needs . . . please send her to Japan with the rest." Sawada wanted desperately to see her again, but he knew that if he did, it would be impossible to let her go.
"If that's what you want? Okay. The Japanese government has already sent half of the babies to Japan. They are going to be picking up the remainder of the infants on Wednesday."
"It's for the best," the major murmured.
Neither man noticed that their conversation was being overheard, MacIver stood absolutely still around the corner from them. As Pendrell turned to leave, MacIver followed him out of the mansion.
"Doc, I need to speak to you," the Scotsman said, stepping in front of Pendrell before he could open his car door.
"What is it, Rory?"
"I'm going to follow you back to the Center to pick up Shinji and Kazuo's daughter. Ayako is not going back to Japan; her home is here with us," he replied firmly.
"Ayako?"
"Yes, Shinji wanted to name her that . . . he's been looking forward to her birth. Kazuo is allowing his guilt over Shinji's abduction interfere with his judgment, when he sees that Shin really wants this baby he'll change his mind." MacIver looked earnestly at the doctor -- he was not about to take no for an answer.
"Okay, Rory, for Shinji. I think it might help him having someone that was dependent on him. But, if you're wrong, I expect you to stop Kazuo from killing me."
"I'm not wrong. I'll meet you at the Center," the Scotsman said, heading for his SUV.
***
Spender watched nervously as Skinner stalked into the kitchen. He was somewhat relieved that the larger man had a baby in his arms it lessened his imposing stance. He glanced behind Skinner at Mulder and Krycek. Krycek was also carrying a baby, it occurred to him that these were his nieces. He wanted to reach out and touch them, but he held back and waited.
"Jeff, if you can grab your bag I'll show you to your room," Mulder told him softly.
"Okay," he went to the closet and picked up his duffel bag and stepped back into the kitchen.
"When you come back downstairs I want to lay out some ground rules for you," Skinner growled loudly. His tone of voice startled Schatz who was in the process of preparing dinner, he dropped the box of rice he was carrying. "Sorry, Hans."
"S'kay, Walter, you'd think I'd be use to you by now," the young man grinned, picking up the box.
Spender glanced nervously at Skinner then back to Mulder. He had never gotten along with either man. During his brief stint on the X-Files he had undermined Skinner's authority and blew the whistle on him at every opportunity. Krycek was a total enigma to him, he thought the man had been loyal to his father, but he found out later that he was just playing him for a fool as he pursued his own hidden agenda. Maybe it hadn't been such a good idea to come here.
"C'mon, don't let Walter's growl worry you, it's his bite you have to be concerned about," Mulder teased, leading him up the back staircase off the kitchen, they passed several closed doors and Mulder pointed them out as they went. "This is Justin and Joe's bedroom, and this is Hans' bedroom. Gabriel's and Kazuo's bedrooms are off the main staircase. The master bedroom that Walter, Alex, and I share is on the main level just past the library. Did Gabriel show you around the mansion at all?"
"No, Mulder. He had me wait for you in the kitchen," Spender replied, taking in the wide hallways and the high ceilings. They turned a corner and passed through an archway.
"This is the west wing, we're currently fixing it up. This place was too large when we first moved in, we never thought we'd use this wing, so we had it sealed off to conserve on heat and electricity. There are eight bedrooms in this wing -- four on each floor, we haven't started on the bottom level, yet," Mulder informed him. Smiling, he opened the second doorway, the bedroom still smelled dusty from being closed off for so long. It was similar to all of the other bedroom suites, with the exception of not having a walkout veranda.
Spender looked around silently; he felt his throat tightening up over how nicely Mulder was treating him. "This is really nice, Mulder. I'm glad that you landed on feet after all the dust had finally settle . . . you really deserved to after everything you went through." He stepped into the bathroom, turning on the faucet he smiled as the water turned hot, pulling his hand away. "I didn't have the luxury of hot water in the last place I stayed."
"And where was that?" Mulder asked, leaning up against the counter.
"Hungary, and before that Argentina."
Mulder took in Spender's grimy appearance, his clothes were worn and his hair was greasy. "Why don't you take a shower as long as we're up here. You'll be more comfortable during dinner," the agent suggested.
"Yeah, I'd like to," Spender replied, dreamily. A hot shower sounded like heaven to him.
"Do you have clean clothes in your bag? If not, I could loan you something to wear."
Spender fingered a hole in his shirtsleeve. "My clothes have seen better days . . . I'm wearing my best outfit."
"Why don't you start your shower. I'll run downstairs and pick you up a few things," Mulder suggested, heading for the door.
***
Krycek placed Faith in the Exersaucer in the family room. "Gabriel, would you mind watching her for a few minutes while I go change?"
"No, Alex, go ahead," the older agent replied, looking up from the book he was reading.
Krycek entered his bedroom and grinned at Skinner who was in the process of changing Hope's diaper. "I bet I'll have Faith potty trained before the mouse," he smirked, kissing his niece on the nose.
"Alex, they don't even know how to walk yet. I think it's a bit too early to be talking about potty training," Skinner grumbled, dropping the smelly diaper in the trash.
Mulder entered the bedroom overhearing their conversation. "Potty training? Jeez, I wish," he chuckled. Heading through the bathroom to the walk-in closet, he started changing out of his suit.
"So, how's our guest doing," Krycek asked, following Mulder into the closet, he started shrugging off his work clothes, too.
"Fine, but I think he's experiencing culture shock. We sometimes forget how nice we have it in the U.S. as compared to other parts of the world lately," Mulder replied as he started selecting articles of clothing for Spender. "Alex, how did you know him?"
"I met him while I was working as a spy in the consortium. The smoker wanted him to do a job, kill one of the rebel aliens posing as a consortium member, but he flinched at the last minute and almost got himself killed -- I took the rebel out." He smirked, "You should have seen his face when that thing started dissolving into a pool of green goo. I had fun messing with his head. Fox, I hated that whiny snot for what he did to you."
"Alex, that's all in the past now. Green goo . . . so that's what made him finally believe," Mulder chuckled, picturing the look that would have been on Spender's face. With an armful of clothes he stepped back into the bedroom. "Walter, I'm going to be upstairs with Spender, would you mind helping Hans with dinner?"
"Nope, I don't mind. I have to hand it to Hans though, he really is becoming proficient at cooking," Skinner answered, handing Hope to Krycek so he could go change.
"Why shouldn't he be with Frohike giving him private lessons," Krycek responded, swinging his niece up in the air and making her giggle. "C'mon, mouse, let's go watch some television," he cooed, leaving the bedroom.
***
Major Sawada stepped into MacIver and Takeda's apartment. "Shin, dinner's ready. C'mon, Walter and the others have been asking about you." He knelt down next to his lover who was curled up on the corner of the sofa, staring listlessly into space. "Shin," he murmured softly, gently taking the younger man's hand.
Takeda eyes eventually focused on him. "Kazuo, what are you doing here?"
"Shin, are you feeling okay?"
"Yes." Sighing, "No, I don't know. It's hard to explain . . . I feel so empty, like there is something missing."
"Do you know what it is?"
"No." He glanced away embarrassed -- there was no way that he would admit the strange compulsion he feeling. "You never answered me, Kazuo, why are you here? And where is Rory?"
"I couldn't find Rory, his SUV is gone. I'm here to take you to dinner. Hans was just setting the table, he's made your favorite dishes."
"Kazuo, my favorite dishes are Japanese . . . I don't think Hans would know how to prepare them."
"Frohike has been teaching him so that he could surprise you." The major pulled Takeda to his feet and guided him out of the apartment.
When they stepped into the dining room Takeda stopped in his tracks, the table was set in traditional Japanese style. The dining room table had been replaced with a lower table surrounded by cushions. They slipped off their shoes, setting them on a bamboo mat by the door.
"Wow, what happened to the table?" Takeda asked Mulder as he walked over to greet him.
Mulder warmly hugged Shinji. "Alex, transformed it into a shorter version for the evening. God, I've missed you, Shin, come sit next to me." He took his friends hand, leading him to a cushion and the major quickly followed sitting on Shinji's other side.
Spender was sitting on Mulder's left side; he glanced self-consciously around at the other men. Frohike sat directly across from him, the little man had gotten there a half-hour ago and had been pumping him for information regarding Bartok. The babies were strapped in jumper seats at the table, there were small bowls of pureed beans and squash in front of them that Skinner and Krycek were feeding to them. There were three family members missing, Hawk was upstairs with Blaise, and no one knew where Rory had gone.
Mulder reached for the container of sake and filled Shinji's sake cup with the warm beverage. He passed it to Shinji who in turn filled his cup and the Sawada's, the major took it and filled Krycek's cup and Krycek filled Skinner's cup until the container made a complete gambit around the table. Schatz stepped into the room carrying a large tray; he knelt carefully setting it on the table, then passed around the cover soup bowls.
Shinji lifted the lid on his bowl and breathed in deeply. "Akadashi Miso," he smiled.
"What's that?" Mulder asked, looking into the bowl.
"Soup with tofu and seaweed," Takeda informed him.
As they ate, Schatz returned with a tray of Nigiri sushi and a tray of mixed kebabs. There were empty plates and tiny bowls filled with different types of dipping sauces next to each place setting.
"Hans, the soup is delicious," Sawada told him.
"Thanks, Kazuo, but the credit should go to Melvin, he taught me how to make everything."
Frohike grinned at the compliment -- he took great pride in his lover's ability to prepare these dishes. "Wait till you taste his Ganmodoki uma-ni, it's better than even I can make it."
Skinner reached with his chopsticks and selected a piece of tuna sushi, and a slice of ginger, then dipped it into a sauce dish filled with hot green horseradish and soy sauce.
Schatz came back out with a large bowls of sukiyaki.
Mulder glanced sideways at Takeda, he was picking slowly at his food. He didn't seem to have much enthusiasm for the meal.
"Shin, is the food all right?"
"Hmm, oh, sorry. The food is delicious -- I'm just not very hungry," he replied sadly.
Mulder reached over and squeezed his thigh. "Shin, if you need to talk," he whispered softly.
"Thanks, Mulder, but I'm fine . . . " Takeda stopped talking as MacIver stepped into the room cradling an infant in his arms.
Major Sawada choked on the sip of sake he had just taken and glared angrily at MacIver. He had sacrificed his daughter for Shinji's wellbeing; he didn't want his lover to be burden with any responsibilities while he was recovering from his brutal assault. He wondered what MacIver was trying to do? He had to know that Shinji didn't want the baby.
"Ayako!" Takeda shriek with delight, leaping up, he ran over to MacIver and took the infant from him. "Kazuo, it's our baby! Look, she's so beautiful." He smiled, kissing the top of the infant's head.
Sawada sat stunned, he had never seen Shinji so overjoyed. Ayako had been his mother's name and he was profoundly touched that Shinji had named their daughter after her. He met MacIver's eyes questioningly.
"Shin, Kazuo asked me to pick her up tonight as a surprise for you. Isn't that right, Kazuo?" MacIver asked with a gleam in his eyes.
"Ah, yes. Thank you, Rory." He rose on shaky legs, and went to see his daughter. Her eyes were open and she was looking up at Shinji's face, she had wisps of soft black hair, pink lips, and the cutest button nose. "She is beautiful . . . she looks like you, Shin."
The other men surrounded them to get a glimpse of the newest member of the family.
"You must be really proud, Kazuo," Skinner said, reaching out to touch the baby's hand.
"Yes," he sniffed, wiping his eyes.
"Would you like to hold her, Kazuo?" Shinji asked softly.
Sawada nodded his head -- he was too choked up to speak. He cradled his daughter lovingly in his arms as tears of joy ran down his cheeks.
"I'm starving, let's eat!" Shinji said cheerfully, steering his lover back to the table. He sat just as Schatz returned with a large platter of Tempura.
Mulder stopped MacIver as he headed to join them, hugging him. "Welcome home, Rory."
***
Professor Leo Bartok's residence
Monday, November 15
9:00 p.m.John Byers sat alone in the darkened apartment, drowning his sorrows in a bottle of wine. He had searched for something stronger to drink, but couldn't find anything; neither Leo nor him was heavy drinkers. He refused to believe that Leo would have, could have, done the things that he was accused of. However, he had been unable to question his lover because he was denied permission to see him. Langly had discovered that Leo was being held in a high security holding cell at the Federal Courthouse.
He looked at the photograph of the Leo and him. Frohike had taken the photo during the Halloween party a mere two weeks ago. No, he wouldn't believe that the man in the photo used him and didn't love him. Byers hugged the photograph against his chest and broke down in anguished sobs.
***
Foxfire Glenn Estate
Monday, November 15
10:00 p.m.Jeffrey Spender looked out the bedroom window and across the darkened estate grounds, he couldn't believe there were no ghouls here. He had become use to the precautions of locking the steel bars on the doors and windows and not venturing anywhere unprotected at night.
He walked over to the fireplace and put another log on the fire. Smiling -- today hadn't gone too badly for him; he was full, warm, and comfortable. With the exception of Skinner, he had gotten along well with everyone here, even Krycek. Mulder had been the biggest surprise -- he didn't expect the warmth and kindness that he received from him. He was wearing the soft sweatpants Mulder had loaned him to sleep in.
Spender pulled the blankets down on the bed and climbed in, he hugged the extra pillow in his arms as he drifted off to sleep.
***
Mulder leaned up against the nursery doorway; the babies were both sleeping soundly. He stood watching Skinner and Krycek as they came out of the bathroom in their underwear.
"Fox, why are you standing there? Come to bed," Skinner said with a glint in his eyes and a distinctive bulge in his tight, white briefs.
"I want to watch you and Alex," Mulder murmured with a slight smile on his lips.
"Watch us what?" Krycek asked, pulling down the bedspread then slipping off his boxers.
"Make love. I want the two of you to make love together, for me," Mulder said, not budging from where he stood.
Skinner and Krycek exchanged looks, they had never taken their displays of affection for each other past kissing, caressing, and blow-jobs -- and they never did anything when Mulder wasn't part of their lovemaking.
"Fox, why?" Skinner asked.
"Because I'm in charge and I want you to . . . and I know that you want to, too. Besides my ass is sore with both of you pounding into me several times a night, I could use the relief," he quipped.
"But we're brothers, it wouldn't be right."
"You're only half-brothers and you weren't raised together," Mulder challenged.
Krycek smirked. "C'mon, Walter, our Foxy wants us to put on a show for him, the least we can do is accommodate him." He sauntered over to the larger man and rubbed his cock against his thigh then leaned down, taking one of Skinner's nipples in his mouth.
"A show," Skinner squawked as Krycek's teeth locked onto his nipple, biting it.
"Yeah, a show. I've been dying to fuck that tight ass of yours for months now." Krycek's hand caressed Skinner's buttocks pinching him through his cotton briefs.
"Ouch! C'mon, Alex, I don't think I can do this," Skinner groaned, trying to push Krycek away, but the younger man wouldn't budge, he locked a leg behind Skinner's and knocked him off his feet onto his back on the bed.
Krycek draped his body over Skinner's hard form. "Sure you can." He locked lips with the older man rocking his hips back and forth rubbing his erection against Skinner's cotton covered one.
"Oh, fuck," Skinner gasped into the younger man's mouth as his fingers laced through the thick black hair, holding him in place.
Mulder licked his lips as he watched Krycek's firm ass hump back and forth in the air. He startled from the trance its movements had placed him in when Skinner suddenly flipped Krycek onto his back and proceeded to devour his mouth. All the inhibitions the older man was feeling quickly vanished in the heat of passion.
Growling, Skinner worked his way down Krycek's toned body leaving small bite marks wherever his mouth traveled. Nuzzling his nose under the younger man's armpit breathing in his intoxicating musky scent then sucked on the tender skin between his armpit and breastbone before moving on to claim his nipple.
Krycek was muttering gibberish as Skinner's fingers pinched and rolled his nipples until they were sore, hard pebbles. His legs wrapped around the larger man's waist, and he rocked more frantically grinding their erections together as his hands held Skinner's head firmly against his chest.
As Mulder watched the action proceed at a fever pitch, he started shedding his remaining clothing. Stroking his growing erection in time with Krycek's rocking body.
Skinner moved further down until he reached Krycek's cock, he licked the pre-cum from its head and stroked a finger down its length. He started taking it in; raking his teeth over the throbbing vein on the underside as he pulled out then took more into his mouth. Skinner probed Krycek's puckered opening with a dry finger, pushing slowly in as he took more of the younger man's length down his throat. His other hand massaged and cupped Krycek's heavy sacs, feeling them tighten when his finger found and massaged his prostate gland.
"Oh, god, bastard," Krycek moaned as he spilled his seed down the older man's throat. His body going limp, he was vaguely aware of Skinner lubricating and stretching him.
Skinner pulled Krycek's legs over his broad shoulders and the younger man came instantly to his senses as the large head of Skinner's cock pushed it's way into him.
"Hey, I wanted to fuck you," he gasped, pushing his hips back to take more of the large organ into him.
"Next time," Skinner growled as he pushed slowly in until he was completely buried in his lover. He leaned down and gently nipped Krycek's kiss swollen lips.
"Mm, next time," Krycek grinned against his mouth and clenched his sphincter muscle getting the desired moan out of the larger man.
Mulder got tired of watching, he climbed onto the bed facing Skinner, he squatted with his legs spread on either side of Krycek's head until his ass was over the younger man's mouth. "Rim me, babe," he purred lustfully, his eyes locking with Skinner's passion-filled brown ones.
Krycek gazed lustfully up at Mulder's firm ass and tight puckered opening. "Oh, yeah. Lower, Fox," he growled. His arms grabbed Mulder's hips as he tried to reach his lover's anus with his tongue.
Mulder leaned back until his hands were behind him; he supported himself on the balls of his feet and hands. His body was bent over backward with his knees spread wide, giving Skinner the perfect position to reach his cock. Mulder was careful not to rest his weight directly on Krycek's face, he gasped as the younger man's tongue found its target and stroked into him. At the same time Skinner took him in his mouth.
Skinner set a steady rhythm of blowing Mulder and thrusting hard into Krycek's hot ass. Mulder held as still as he could; he didn't want to pull away from the younger man's talented tongue, although he wanted desperately to thrust into to Skinner's mouth. His position caused his leg muscles to tremble from the strain as he allowed both men to work their magic on him.
Krycek was in heaven -- Mulder's scent and taste was driving him crazy, he thrust his tongue in further wanting more of him. His finger digging painfully into Mulder's hips. His body jerked as Skinner hit his prostate with a mighty thrust.
The double stimulation soon drove Mulder over the edge and he came screaming into Skinner's enthusiastic mouth, the older man pulled back slightly so he could taste his lover's essence as it spurted out of him. He eagerly swallowed the mild slightly sweet tasting come, saving a mouthful as Mulder's orgasm petered out and his limp penis slipped from his mouth.
Mulder rolled away from the two men, sated. He watched dreamily as Skinner bent over and took Krycek's mouth in a deep kiss.
Krycek slurped into the kiss as Skinner shared the mouthful of come with him. He grabbed the older man's head and pushed his tongue deeper into that intoxicating mouth seeking the last of their lover's nectar. It was one of the secret pleasures that Skinner and he shared -- they had become addicted to its flavor. Skinner ended the kiss, pulling back, resuming his hard thrusts into Krycek's body.
Mulder crawled over to Krycek, kissing him and tasting his own funky essence on his lover's lips. "Mm, are you enjoying yourself?" He asked, splaying a hand over Krycek's chest, feeling his heart's franticly beating under his palm.
"God, Fox, remind me . . . Oh shit," he gasped his body writhed as Skinner pistoned into him. "To . . . to thank Vettelman for putting you in charge," Krycek grunted.
Skinner's balls crept up and his cock swelled inside of Krycek, he saw stars flash before his eyes as he came hard with one final thrust. Krycek came for a second time when the larger man's weight pressed down on him, he felt the sticky moisture between their bodies.
Skinner exhaustedly pulled out of Krycek and crawled up on the bed collapsing next to Mulder. "Did . . . you enjoy the show?" he inquired breathlessly.
"Yeah, it was very good, but do you think next time we could go with costumes?" Mulder asked as he wrapped his arms around Skinner's body.
"Costumes? Fox, what do you have in mind?" Skinner sighed, resting his head on Mulder's chest.
"I thought you could dress like a surly FBI Assistant Director and Alex could dress like a ruffian in a black leather jacket, black jeans and boots or we could entertain my Thelma and Louise fantasy." Mulder grinned against the larger man's head, gasping when Skinner swatted his thigh.
"Surly . . . that would require me to stretch my acting abilities," Skinner quipped.
"Yeah, we better go with your Thelma and Louise fantasy, Fox," Krycek smirked.
They crawled under the covers and collapsed into each other arms.
"Thank you, Walter," Mulder murmured, kissing him tenderly.
"Night, babe," Skinner sighed, throwing a leg over Mulder's leg, he nuzzled closer then laid awake listening to his lovers' breathing as they fell asleep.
***
FBI Hoover Building
Tuesday, November 16
1:00 p.m.Leo Bartok blotted his sweat-dampened forehead with a handkerchief as he sat evading questions being put to him by Fox Mulder. Next to Mulder sat the FBI's clairvoyant Special Agent Jared Austin and viewing the interview from behind an observation mirror were John Byers, Melvin Frohike, Walter Skinner, Allan Howard, and Alex Krycek.
"Leo, how long have you been working for them?" Mulder asked again for the twentieth time.
"I don't work for them."
"You took these photographs of my family and our home. You purposely took photos of the estate security systems, and sent them to the consortium. How can you claim you're not working for them?" Mulder angrily indicated to the photos spread out on the table in front of Bartok.
"I told you, I don't work for them."
Frustrated, Mulder rose and paced the room, turning back to face the man at the table. "Leo, why did you do it?"
A shadowed look briefly flickered across Bartok's face, but he quickly put up his barriers again. "I didn't do anything. You have no proof that I took those photos."
Mulder glanced over at Agent Austin who shook his head. He was finding it impossible to mind-scan the other clairvoyant.
Frohike turned to Byers in the observation room; he wasn't having as much trouble scanning Bartok as Agent Austin was. He was able to get in the brief second that Bartok let his guard down. "John, he did it to protect his family back in Hungary. The consortium is holding them hostage."
"Then it's true, Melvin? Leo really was spying on our friends," Byers stated sadly.
"Yeah, I'm afraid so."
Skinner telepathically passed on Frohike's information to Mulder.
"Leo, tell me about your family back in Hungary?"
Bartok's face dropped when he realized they had successfully scanned him. "Mulder, don't you understand? I can't talk about them. If I do they will be killed."
"Leo, I'm sorry about your family. How long has the consortium been using them to force you to spy?"
"Mulder, you'd do the same thing if someone were holding your family hostage. I can't, I won't talk about it . . . they will kill them if I talk."
"Leo, the U.S. government has agents working in Europe. If you cooperate, they will help get your family out."
"Do you give me your word on that, Mulder?" Bartok asked hopefully.
"Yeah, you have my word."
Bartok sighed, "They contacted me a week after I started dating John."
In the observation room Byers sighed, he was relieved that Bartok hadn't purposely started dating him to gain access to his friends.
Bartok filled Mulder in on where, when, and how he was to contact the smoker and what part of Hungary his family lived in. The interview lasted another hour.
As Bartok was led from the interrogation room, he met John Byers in the hallway. "John, . . . I'm sorry," he replied softly.
"So am I, Leo. Why couldn't you have told me what was happening? I could have helped."
"They're my family, John. Sorry," Bartok murmured as he was led away.
Mulder put a comforting hand on Byers' shoulder. "John, I'm really sorry about this . . . if there is anything I can do just ask."
"You have nothing to be sorry for, Mulder. I was the one that brought a spy into your home," Byers replied, turning he walked away. Frohike quickly followed him, not wanting his friend to be alone.
***